Step 4 of 21: How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You Noticed Artwork

The FlexJobs Podcast: Career Advice & Job Search Tips

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The FlexJobs Podcast: Career Advice & Job Search Tips

Step 4 of 21: How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You Noticed

August 15, 2023 • FlexJobs • Season 2 • Episode 4

Writing a good, tailored cover letter is an essential part of your job application.

Applications that include a cover letter that is carefully tailored to the job are reported to generate over 50% more interviews than job applications submitted without a cover letter. 83% of hiring managers report that a great cover letter was actually enough to grant an interview to a candidate with a less-than-perfect resume.

With that in mind, let’s settle on the fact that cover letters are important.

A cover letter is really a key part of introducing you to a hiring manager and making a great first impression. In a sense, it’s like one of your marketing tools to help convince that employer that you are someone that they should talk to because you are a strong fit for the role.

How to Write a Cover Letter That Lands You an Interview: Complete Guide: https://bit.ly/3Yd4wOp
12 Ways to Improve Your Cover Letter and Make It Stand Out: https://bit.ly/3KlKbkk
How to Customize a Cover Letter for Each Job: https://bit.ly/43OLIpV
FlexJobs Webinar | Mastering Cover Letters for Remote Jobs: https://youtu.be/rK0ypj-8vag

FlexJobs is a subscription service for job seekers that features flexible and remote jobs. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.7 rating from over 10,000 reviews, FlexJobs ensures that customers have a safe and positive remote job searching experience - without the ads, scams and junk found on other job sites.

FlexJobs | Find A Better Way To Work

Welcome to step 4! Today we are going to talk about a very important tool in your job search - cover letters. Yes, I understand that many don’t like to write them and wonder if they are truly important. But, let me assure you that writing a good, tailored cover letter is an essential part of your job application.

It is true that there are a number of hiring managers that don’t read cover letters, but is that enough to convince yourself not to write one? Allow me to share some statistics:

Applications that include a cover letter that is carefully tailored to the job are reported to generate over 50% more interviews than job applications submitted without a cover letter.
83% of hiring managers report that a great cover letter was actually enough to grant an interview to a candidate with a less-than-perfect resume.

With that in mind, let’s settle on the fact that cover letters are important.

So, how do we define what a cover letter is and what its purpose is? A cover letter is really a key part of introducing you to a hiring manager and making a great first impression. In a sense, it’s like one of your marketing tools to help convince that employer that you are someone that they should talk to because you are a strong fit for the role.

As you begin to write yours, there are a few general guidelines to keep in mind.

First, while you may have some general content that translates from one cover letter to another, a good cover letter will be unique and tailored to each specific application noting how you are qualified for and interested in that particular position.

Second, it should be contained within one page and will typically include 3-4 paragraphs.

The first paragraph gives you an opportunity to share how you are excited about the position, using distinct examples of information that you’ve learned from your research about the company and role. This area can also be a great place to share and brief note about any dynamics such as a break in your career.
Your second and third paragraphs are the area where you will want to list your top qualifications and tie them directly to their greatest needs.
And finally, wrap up your cover letter in the final paragraph by reiterating your sincere interest and excitement to hear back from them for an interview.

One other great advantage of writing a cover letter is that it is a good exercise to help you think through the reasons that you are a great candidate for that job. What are your strengths? What is it about that position and company that excites you? How do you align with the company culture, their goals and mission, and the role that you are applying to? The answers to these questions are not only great content for your cover letter, but also great information to help you answer interview questions such as, “tell me about yourself,” and “why are you interested in this position?"

So, it’s time to dig in and use these tools to start writing a great cover letter! Be sure to check out the links in the description below for some other great cover letter resources!